A Portland startup called NurseGrid said Thursday it has raised $5.7 million to improve its technology and add staff.

NurseGrid offers online tools to help hospitals and other health care facilities manage their staffing. The company says its technology can help organizations run more efficiently to combat a nurse shortage and improve employee retention and job satisfaction.

Thursday's funding comes from Hatteras Venture Partners, a North Carolina investment firm that specializes in health care and related technology.

"We plan on using the funds to continue revolutionizing the way hospitals and health care facilities manage the schedule, open shifts, float pools, recruiting, and so much more," said Joe Novello, NurseGrid's founder and chief executive. Novello is also a registered nurse.

The Portland company employs 34, up 50 percent in 2017, and plans to grow another 50 percent this year. NurseGrid said Thursday's investment will cover the costs of expanding its product line and upgrading its existing technology.

New features will help manage staff across departments, add tools for staff to schedule their own work on their smartphones, and to apply for jobs within the NurseGrid app. The company had previously raised $3.8 million.